WORK on Irvine’s new leisure centre officially got underway last week after a special sod-cutting ceremony.

Last Friday (March 20), councillors and dignitaries watched on as Provost Joan Sturgeon dug the first turf at the site.

Barr Construction have been tasked with building the highly controversial, multi-million pound centre which will host a swimming pool, a six court multi-use sports hall for all indoor sports, a cafe and fitness studios amongst other features.

North Ayrshire Council hope the centre, designed to replace the ageing Magnum Leisure Centre, will be the focal point of Irvine’s recent regeneration.

But it’s been a turbulent few years for the much-maligned project. From fierce opposition by residents to a Scottish Government inquiry into the stopping up of Jail Close, council bosses have had to endure a raft of headaches.

But Councillor Marie Burns insists that the sod-cutting marks a defining moment for the project.

The cabinet member for economy and employment said: “We all know it has taken a lot of hard work to get to this stage - and it’s important we all look forward now.

“There have been lots of ups and downs and difficult decisions have had to be made. But now there is clear light at the end of the tunnel and it’s so exciting that the project is beginning.

“There will be tangible evidence every day that the new centre is on its way. This is just another step in the right direction and with further hard work we will provide Irvine, North Ayrshire and the wider community a facility they can all be proud of.” The centre is a large part of the council’s Vision for Irvine, a document developed last year in a further bid to breathe new life and attract more investment to the town.

Councillor Burns added: “The role of the community is massive and we are engaging continuously with them throughout this process. “I think they can see that the ‘Vision for Irvine’ is something real as they have already seen that we’re serious about making some big changes to the town.

“Footfall in the Bridgegate has also seen a significant increase thanks to a number of council initiatives.

“The new Cultural and Leisure Centre will give people further confidence. It will be used by thousands of our local people and clubs. As well as the financial and economic benefits, I’m confident it can lift the whole community.” The SNP councillor also insists that contrary to the opinion of campaigners, the transport links to and from the centre will be “second to none”.

She added: “The area represents a real opportunity to act as a catalyst for the economic and social regeneration of the town centre.

“We are working to with our partners including the local community to capitalise on its huge potential. “These are exciting times for Irvine and with the new centre finally on its way, the future is certainly bright.”